Compare the characters of Hero and Beatrice, as they are presented by language and action in the play - In what ways do their characters and behaviour reflect sixteenth century attitudes towards women and their role in society?
Compare the characters of Hero and Beatrice, as they are presented by language and action in the play. In what ways do their characters and behaviour reflect sixteenth century attitudes towards women and their role in society? The two characters of Hero and Beatrice are in complete contrast. Both characters however represent stereotypes that men had of women in the sixteenth century. Hero is young, quiet and in everyway the typical and greatly desired Elizabethan woman that men wanted for a wife. In contrast to this Beatrice could have been viewed by men as a shrew because she attempts to stand up for women's rights and rebels against the life style that women were expected to lead. Shakespeare established the difference in Hero's and Beatrice's personalities and character in the first scene. Beatrice interrupts the conversation between her uncle and the messenger Beatrice: I pray you, is Signior Mountanto returned from the war or no? From this we see that Beatrice is impatient and has no time for formality. Beatrice's wit, recognised as intelligence in Elizabethan England, and a greatly admired quality in the sixteenth century, is quiet intimidating for the men. The messenger realises that her wit and strong personality is something he does not want to have to come up against therefore says Messenger: I will hold friends with you lady In this scene Beatrice is the
Much ado about nothing - There is a strong suggestion that Shakespeare took elements of contemporary Venetian society into account in his imaginative construction of Messina, its local society and dominant values.
There is a strong suggestion that Shakespeare took elements of contemporary Venetian society into account in his imaginative construction of Messina, its local society and dominant values. Venice in Shakespeare's day was a leading commercial power, and, like Messina, it was a materially rich city in which attendance at masquerades was expected of all its leading figures. Even more to the point, Venice was known in Elizabethan times as a hotbed of intrigue and deception, a place in which outsiders could easily be fleeced by indigenous city-slickers. Messina too is full of plots and ploys, some benign in their aims, others malevolent in their purposes. At bottom, there is "something wrong" in Messina. As noted elsewhere in this analysis of Much Ado, in Act I, scene i., not only does the legitimate Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro, appear on the stage with his loyal followers, his bastard brother Don John is there as well, along with a brace of demi-villains to assist him in further dirty work. Don Pedro explains that even though Don John has attempted to over turn his reign, the two are now reconciled. For Shakespeare's audiences, this would have sounded loud of alarums. Threats to the state by illegitimate usurpers had only one proper ending in Elizabethan society, the execution of the guilty. Seeing a defeated enemy of the state on stage, moving about freely and permitted to rub
In 'Much Ado About Nothing', each of the principal characters have different attitudes and principals regarding marriage. However, before we individually explore each character's views, let's
What Impressions Would An Audience Have Of The Principal Characters' Attitudes to Marriage? Impressions are the 'marked images and effects made on the mind and senses'. A villain would never say 'I am evil' or 'I am a villain' during a performance, but from his words and actions, the audience would easily be able to reach that conclusion. It can be said that impressions are the shadows inspired by what is said and done, causing a reflection of a character' true personality. Such is the case in Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. That mentioned play is successful when acted out, partly due to its persuasive text and the subtle words that speak for each character's beliefs. In 'Much Ado About Nothing', each of the principal characters have different attitudes and principals regarding marriage. However, before we individually explore each character's views, let's explore the general Elizabethan theory about marriage, accepted by English (and Messinian) society at the time Marriage, to them, was a sacred union to be entered only with the utmost care, preferably with the parent's blessing. The ideal wife would be virtuous, modest and obedient while the ideal husband would be older, 'wiser' and able to control his wife and her views. Hero, a principal character in the play, qualified for the candidacy of an Elizabethan housewife, unlike Beatrice, who in the eyes
The theme of honour in Shakespeare(TM)s Much Ado about Nothing
The theme of honour in Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" In Shakespearean times, honour was a very crucial aspect of everyday life, especially among families of high status. In his "Much Ado about Nothing", Shakespeare shows us just how circumstantial honour was taken to be, by a proud and prestigious family. In Act 4 Scene 1 and act 5 scene 4, from the very beginning we can find examples of this: "Let my counsel sway you in this case" (Friar) This shows that the people of that era considered that Friar to be a wise and holy man. Everyone, in this great dilemma, listened to his advice, as he was much respected. This also shows that religion was a very serious aspect of Shakespearean life. "And if sort not well, you may conceal her" (Friar) The extreme measures taken to regain a family's honour can be seen here. The friar is suggesting to hide Hero, if all turns out to be not so well. For just supposedly committing a sin, this seems to be a very harsh punishment to receive. However, this was just how social matters were dealt with at that time. "What shall become of this? What will this do?" (Leonato) Leonato speaks this phrase almost in a hurried fashion, to show his desperation. The two questions, one followed by the other, show that he is helpless and vulnerable. This is all caused by Claudio's shaming of Leonato's daughter (Hero) and by doing so, destroying
How does Shakespeare present attitudes to love and marriage at the beginning of the play?
Natasha Jones English How does Shakespeare present attitudes to love and marriage at the beginning of the play? The first signs of love and marriage coming into the play are started by Beatrice in act 1 scene 1 line 28. This is Beatrice's first line in the play and the first thing she asks about is Benedict. Although it can be said in a very sarcastic manner by Beatrice it also shows her worries for Benedict and the first signs of love. She is obviously worried about Benedicks safety but tries not to show her real feelings by hiding them with her mock name of "Signor Mountanto". She continually talks about Benedick and his part in the war not even showing the slightest interest in any of the other soldiers. She does do it in a sarcastic mocking way but it is still only him she enquires about. Shakespeare shows us that there is a connection between Beatrice and Benedict by telling us through Leonato. In lines 41-42 we see that Leonato is use to this mocking of Benedick by Beatrice when he says "Faith, niece, you tax Signor Benedick too much; but he'll be meet with you, I no doubt it not." So letting us know that perhaps he is use to her talking about Benedick. Although he does tell us that Benedick does show the same interest in Beatrice as he says he will give the same back. He also does it through Hero. When Beatrice calls Benedict "Signor Mountanto" it
Explain how watching the film 'Much Ado About Nothing' contributed to your understanding and appreciation of the play.
Explain how watching the film 'Much Ado About Nothing' contributed to your understanding and appreciation of the play. The film 'Much Ado About Nothing' is very successful because it makes Shakespeare's play alive and it makes the play more realistic. In addition it is a very enjoyable film and helps the audience appreciate the play much more. It puts across the story clearly and helps us understand the significance and situation of the story. To begin with, one of the clearest ways in which the film is considered to be most outstanding was due to the setting of the film. The film was expediently set in Tuscany, Italy in the beautiful countryside, which is suitable since Shakespeare's play is originally set in Messina, Italy. The director had set the location in an area of hills around a large Italian villa and gardens. also He scrupulously provides seventeenth century decoration; from convoluted household objects and garden ornaments to the actual lifestyle of the individuals that suitably relates to the play and provides an genuine, realistic background that makes it more convincing to the audience, rather than if it were filmed somewhere inappropriate. The director controls the weather according to the atmosphere of the scenes which is known as pathetic fallacy. For example, during the first scene at the beginning of the film, where some of the main characters of the
Themes in Much Ado About Nothing
Themes in Much Ado About Nothing The play "Much Ado About Nothing" is not about nothing. It shows strong themes in the areas of deception, love and the power of words. Also, the play is streaked with metaphors involving the taming of wild animals. These ideas make proving themes and issues and easy and convincing argument. The plot of the play is based upon deliberate deceptions, some malevolent and others gracious. The deception of Claudio and Don Pedro results in Hero's disgrace, while the trick of her death prepares the way for her redemption and reconciliation with Claudio. Lines like "men were deceivers ever" (2.3.54) bring about the fact that the deception is a key theme in the play. Nothing shows that deceit is essentially evil, but in the play it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between good and bad deception. The bible says: "But people who are evil and cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool others, but they will also be fooling themselves." (2 Tim 3:13) This is evident as Don John plots and succeeds in fooling Claudio and Don Pedro into thinking that Hero has been sleeping with other men before their marriage, but backfires when her "death" is staged and Claudio and Hero are reunited and even more in love after Claudio sincerely apologises. Another turning point in the play is where Beatrice and Benedick are fooled into thinking
Much Ado About Nothing Wedding Tell The Story From Leonatos Perspective
Much Ado About Nothing Wedding - Tell The Story From Leonato's Perspective I sat in a chair, apprehensively facing an old friend. It had been such a tiresome and exasperating day, yet the only way I would receive counsel from him was to re-tell the occasion. I commenced my account. The day started off well; the sun was shining triumphantly over the towering church, and the breeze was so gentle that it could hardly be noticed. The landscape was immaculate - from the lush green gardens in the churchyard, to the bursting undergrowth in the remote wood, adjacent to the verdant fields on the horizon. Everyone appeared to be in such high spirits - the atmosphere in the vestibule was wonderful to be apart of. However, I was so jumpy that I had to leave and be on my own before the service started. My walk in the churchyard was very thoughtful. My precious daughter, soon to be married to Claudio, a very handsome and brave man! I should have been so very happy, and I was. But at the same time I had doubts. I don't know where they came from, but I just wanted it to be a happy wedding. The church bells started ringing and I left my own little world as I made my way back along the path. I don't know how long I was gone for, but it must have been a while seeing that the vicar himself was looking for me. "Leonato! Goodness, I am so pleased I have found you! Do please, come with me."
How is language and structure used to create aprologue of the main plotlines of the couples in actone of Shakespeare's "Much ado about nothing"
How is language and structure used to create a prologue of the main plotlines of the couples in act one of Shakespeare's "Much ado about nothing" Act one is written as a prologue to the rest of the play. You can tell this because it immediately introduces the main characters and hints using language, structure, foreshadowing, double meaning and symbolism what will happen later in the plot. The 7 main characters are shown in the first act almost straight away, with no explanation of their past or how each of them are connected to each other. The main plotline of the two couples - Beatrice & Benedick and Claudio & Hero are started as soon as the play starts. The audience is informed of Beatrice & Benedicks "merry war" within the first 2 minutes of the play. Beatrice's witty remarks about benedick automatically make the audience like her because she is feisty an intelligent. The comments she makes are there for humor purposes and to make the audience laugh along with her at benedick. When the audience finds out that he is just as strong willed and sharp tongued, they instantly sense the chemistry between them. They both communicate with each other in wise words, puns and quick response verbal sparring. Shakespeare purposely did not write the words between them as malicious, and so the audience can feel the love \ hate connection between them. Hero and Claudio
Much Ado About Nothing - Character study on Beatrice
Much Ado About Nothing Character study on Beatrice When reading "Much Ado About Nothing" I found the most interesting and entertaining character was Beatrice, this is because there are many aspects to her nature. This may have been difficult express in a play in Shakespeare's time as all of the actors were male. Her attitude towards Benedick was cynical and unpleasant, such as when she was talking to messenger about him, Beatrice refers to him as "Signor Mountanto" which means she believes that he is "stuck up" or a social climber, and this makes her appear in this scene to be very unloving. However in the love scenes between Beatrice and Benedick, towards the end of the play, you see the more likeable side of her, "I love nothing so well as you," Beatrice confesses to Benedick. As the play starts I do think that the wrong impression of Beatrice is evident, when she talks about Benedick in an unpleasant way, when it's apparent that Benedick is an honourable and upstanding soldier, "He hath done good service, lady, in these wars" "And a good soldier too, lady," the messenger refers about Benedick. However, when Beatrice and Benedick meet, it is apparent that there is tension between them, and probably they were together before. This shows that it's not all Beatrice being so obnoxious, but Benedick also, "My dear lady distain! Are you yet living?" The Masked Ball doesn't
